How much sun does Silkcotton Purslane need?

Silkcotton Purslane grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Silkcotton Purslane bloom?

Silkcotton Purslane blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Silkcotton Purslane native?

Silkcotton Purslane (Portulaca halimoides) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Silkcotton Purslane attract?

Silkcotton Purslane draws bees and beetles.

Is Silkcotton Purslane HOA-friendly?

Silkcotton Purslane takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Silkcotton Purslane

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Portulaca halimoides

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Silkcotton Purslane (Portulaca halimoides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–12" H × 4"–16" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Silkcotton purslane is a low-growing succulent that forms dense mats with small, fleshy leaves and tiny flowers. This drought-tolerant annual blooms from June through September. Its compact size makes it suitable for ground cover or rock garden applications.

In an HOA neighborhood

Silkcotton Purslane takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Mat-forming growth can appear uncontrolled
Annual nature means gaps and bare spots
Small flowers and informal appearance may look weedy

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a native succulent, it provides habitat for small desert-adapted insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Silkcotton Purslane need?: Silkcotton Purslane grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Silkcotton Purslane bloom?: Silkcotton Purslane blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Silkcotton Purslane native?: Silkcotton Purslane (Portulaca halimoides) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Silkcotton Purslane attract?: Silkcotton Purslane draws bees and beetles.
Is Silkcotton Purslane HOA-friendly?: Silkcotton Purslane takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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